Asia
Japan
Kinki
Nara Prefecture
Nara
Things to Do in Nara
Kofuku-ji Temple
See all things to do

Kofuku-ji Temple

See all things to do
See all things to do
Kofuku-ji Temple
4
#11 of 299 things to do in Nara
Religious Sites
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Write a review
About
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
See all
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,853 within 3 miles
Nino
573
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Parco
212
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian • Japanese - Other
Maguro Koya
451
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
Sakura Burger
135
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Grill • Diner
Nakatanido
369
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Vegetarian Friendly
Tonkatsu Ganko Nara
220
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian
Kinari Pizza
59
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Wakakusa Curry Hompo
124
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Cafe • Fast Food
Kamaiki
103
0.2 mi$ • Japanese • Japanese - Other • Vegetarian Friendly
Main Dining Room Mikasa
118
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • European
See all
Attractions
429 within 6 miles
Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda
36
33 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Tokondo
25
164 ftReligious Sites
Kofuku-ji Temple National Treasure Hall
166
293 ftReligious Sites • History Museums
Nara Visitor Center & Inn
414
0.1 miVisitor Centers
Nanen-do
65
388 ftReligious Sites
Kofuku-ji Temple Chukon Hall
34
268 ftReligious Sites
Sarusawa Pond
433
0.1 miBodies of Water
Kofuku-ji Temple 3 Storey Tower
10
254 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Monument of Takinoukinshu Birthplace
1
382 ftMonuments & Statues
Uneme Shrine
14
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,337 reviews
Excellent
520
Very good
586
Average
205
Poor
17
Terrible
9
Emma C
Godalming, UK2,305 contributions
Gorgeous pagodas
Nov 2019 • Solo
I really like it here. Along with buddhas I am very drawn to pagodas and Kofuku-Ji has some wonderful examples including the 2nd tallest one in Japan, along with a lovely atmosphere.

Due to time constraints I didn't make it to the National Treasure Museum, but I did spend quality time wandering around. There were quite a few people here, but it was easy to find a quiet spot to just enjoy the moment. I like the corner filled with Jizo...just lovely.

I'd really recommend coming here. I did on my way back to JR Nara after walking through the park and seeing the big buddha.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
izyphotos
Mascot, Australia711 contributions
Great Buddist Temple
May 2021
Just 5 - 10 mins walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, Kofuku-ji Temple is hard to miss: It’s the huge temple compound that contains the towering pagoda. The temple was built in 730, and it became the symbol of Nara in the past. You can see the reflection of the great pagoda in the nearby Sarusawa Pond, and it is said to be a characteristic piece of Nara’s scenery. While the treasure hall at Kofuku-ji does contain some interesting Buddhist images, it’s probably enough just to stroll around the open grounds (which you can do for free) and peer at the structures from the outside. We were there at the beginning of Covid in March 2020 so we were fortunate that there were not many tourists around.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
viaggioSensoriale
Cesena, Italy1,210 contributions
Mistic Nara
Jul 2019 • Friends
Walking through this temple complex is almost like living a Miyazaki story, walking timelessly between free deer and pagodas, just free your mind and enjoy it!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rajupras
Singapore, Singapore73 contributions
Daylight robbery
Jul 2016 • Family
See the pagoda from outside and don't bother taking a ticket to see the Buddha. For one, a place of worship should be accessible to the poorest of the poor. Sadly, this is not the case with the temples of Nara. All of the ones I went to had a minimu fee of 300 yen, including this one. Luckily, I did not buy the museum pass. Was very disappointed to see that it has only one large Buddha with some attendants . Felt cheated out of my money. But got conned in another place where I got the combo pass and then realised that there is too little to see. They have split up the treasues into many museums so that they can charge entry tickets at each and every one of them. Stay smart. Don't part with your money. See only those that come free. They are often the best.
Written July 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles J
Glasgow, UK582 contributions
Impressive
Nov 2019
From the moment you climb the steps, Kofuku-ji presents you with an array of fine temple buildings. It may be the first temple you visit in Nara. Hard to miss...you wouldn't want to miss it. A very handsome sight.
Written December 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damien-and-Sonia
Sydney, Australia162 contributions
First stop on the Nara Temple Trek!
Jul 2019
That title may sound a little daunting however visiting all the Nara temples you can on foot, is a trek. Kofuki-Ji Temple will be the first complex you come across as you wander up from Nara station. It’s off to the left and slightly higher than Sanjuana Doris St. it’s propabaly going to be the first place you meet the famous Nara deer. Kofuku-Ji is actually a complex of Budist temples and pagodas, including the 5 storied pagoda. The main shrine, or Golden Hall, is rather large, spectacular and very photogenic and there is a raised section of former temple floor where you can get great pictures. If you’re spending two or more days in Nara to view the temples, and shrines, take your time to I inspect the complex including the antiquities museum, otherwise, like us, you will need to keep moving up through the middle towards Nara Park. The complex itself is on level ground and wheelchair accessible so easy for disabled and elderly to move around. For those with reduced mobility coming from the station, you may want to use a taxi or other transport to the temple complex.
Now, we got there early and the crowd wasn’t large but it was building, being fed by walkers from the station and bus tours parked at Nara Park. There some vending machines tucked in near the mentioned former temple floor, and a souvenir shop for those shrine and temple must-haves, although you will find it’s the temple and shrine shops that must have all the same souvenirs! Still, the little charms are very decorative and make great gifts, not to mention they bring good luck to the recipient.
After a drink and a pat of a deer, one of only two we found that wasn’t food motivated, we moved off on leg two of the trek and up into Nara Park proper.

Tips for this temple are pretty simple. Respect the proper etiquette for temples, watch out for the deer and wear sunscreen. If you’re there about lunchtime and have some to eat, there’s some pleasant spots overlooking the pond across Sanjo-Dori st.
Remember, this is temple one of many and if you going further, you may want to limit your time here.

Thanks for reading our first review in what will probably become the Nara Temple Trek series! If it helped you, please let us know with hit on the helpful vote button and have fun!
Written August 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz T
Vancouver, Canada342 contributions
Best photo of pagoda from park below
Jul 2014 • Family
The staffer at the Nara tourist information office told us to go to the park below the temple to take a photo of the 5 story pagoda. We crossed the street and went to the park with the large pond. On opposite side of the pond, we looked up and found a great angle to take photo of the pagoda with its reflection in the pond. It was worth the short walk thanks to suggestion made by the tourist info office.
Written July 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva L
Jakarta, Indonesia50 contributions
Stunning Pagoda
May 2013
Went to Nara from Osaka and spent a day there, it's very much worthed. Even during train trip from Osaka, we saw beautiful green forest and landscape. So many traditional houses along the way. Reached JR Nara, then took 20 min walk to this temple. A lot of restaurant along the walk path, also many souvenirs stores. Got to the temple area, we took the stairs up and saw beautiful stunning Pagoda. Should come to Nara and experienced another good side of Japan.
Written May 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lluviaxlluvia
Zurich, Switzerland340 contributions
World Heritage in Nara Park.
Jul 2012 • Couples
UNESCO World Heritage site within Nara Park.
A beautiful pagoda and very photogenic. Is closer to the train station than the other attractions of Nara, so enjoy the breath, to appreciate this history and beauty of Japanese architecture. Important take a "souvenir" of the place, it helps the monks to keep these sacred places.
Written October 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy P
Hong Kong, China683 contributions
Big temple with an Old grand tower
Nov 2019 • Friends
The temple is located in the city center, easy access so that attracts many tourists. It’s under the list of world heritage site(WHS). There are 4 halls including north, central, east and south, and a 5-storey tower. The east hall and the tower are in the list of WHS, it’s worth wide to see especially the wooden tower, quite Sophisticated! But you need to pay entrance fee one by one, except the tower(no admission). Suggest to enter the east hall only, too expensive to pay all.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 310
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Kofuku-ji Temple, Nara

Frequently Asked Questions about Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple Information

Excellent Reviews

520

Very Good Reviews

586

Kofuku-ji Temple Photos

1,787